Last year I completely missed the lady’s slipper orchids (Cypripedium calceolus), and so did everyone else – they bloomed earlier than anyone had anticipated. Last week I had a look at one place where they grow, and saw nothing but leaves so I figured that maybe I could see some buds now. Except, this other place where they grow, the lady’s slippers were full in bloom, and some of them were already showing signs of being over! Glad I had my camera with me, because there was no time to waste, these flowers peak very quickly.

Another thing that amazed me was how many of them there were. I can’t remember seeing this many before… I was also seeing a lot of twayblade (Listera ovata) buds and more bogbeans (Menyanthes trifoliata) than I’ve ever seen before.

Before I was completely done with my photo session, it started raining. I didn’t have the Stormjacket with me to protect the camera, so I had to pack up whether I was ready or not. It wasn’t raining too bad though, so I ventured out further to a nearby small lake. I’ve never been to the lake before, and I was stunned – it was absolutely beautiful! The first calm sunny evening and I’ll be there with the camera.

I was smiling happy on my way back to the car, hardly noticed the rain. Those orchids… and the lake. Amazing. Amazing!